Legislation Enacted Providing Bicyclists with Additional Rights to Relief for Civil Assault and Battery by Motorists

ByDouglas C. Melcher

On January 18, 2013, the District of Columbia enacted the Access to Justice for Bicyclists Act of 2012 (Act 19-625), which provides bicyclists with additional rights to relief for civil assault and battery by motorists. The legislation states, in relevant part, that “[a]n individual who, while riding a bicycle, is the victim of an assault or battery by a motorist, and prevails in a civil action for such assault or battery, shall be entitled to: (1) Statutory damages of $1,000 or actual damages, whichever is greater; (2) Reasonable attorney’s fees and costs; provided, that the total amount of damages is less than $10,000; and (3) Any other relief available under the law.” The legislation becomes effective following a 30-day Congressional review period and publication in the D.C. Register, at which point it will be codified at D.C. Code § 50-1621. [Update: On April 20, 2013, the 30-day Congressional review period ended and Act 19-625 became D.C. Law 19-264.]

Douglas C. Melcher

I am a licensed attorney with about twenty years of experience in the private practice of law. I focus my practice on advising and representing individuals, small businesses, and non-profits in civil litigation, including trial court proceedings, appeals, administrative hearings, mediation, and arbitration. I have written numerous articles for D.C. Law Blog and other publications, and am the author of Tort Claims and Defenses in the District of Columbia, which is a handbook for lawyers about civil claims for injury to persons, property, reputation, and commercial interests. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to inquire about assistance with a legal matter. I can be reached at dmelcher@melcherlaw.com or 202-427-5753. For further information about my background, click here.